Hire the Best Operational Planning Professionals
Lamego, Portugal
If your strategy is clear but execution keeps falling short — or your organisation is growing faster than your operating model can support — that gap is what I close. ✅ Upwork Top 1% Talent ✅ Expert Vetted With more than 20 years of senior consulting experience, I design and build operating models that turn strategic intent into operational reality. My work spans operating model design, target operating model (TOM) development, business architecture, capability-based planning, and the organisational restructuring required to make it all stick. My primary specialisations are: ⭐ Target Operating Model Design — from current-state diagnosis through to future-state blueprint, transition roadmap, and capability build ⭐ Business Architecture — linking strategy, capabilities, value streams, and processes into a coherent, executable structure ⭐ Capability-Based Planning — identifying the capabilities your operating model needs, prioritising investment, and sequencing delivery ⭐ Organisational Design — structures, roles, governance, and operating rhythms aligned to strategic intent ⭐ Strategy Execution — translating high-level plans into programmes, milestones, and measurable outcomes The results I have delivered have moved the needle in ways that matter. One engagement compressed a 4.5-year insurance claims backlog to 9 months. Another supported a 13,000+ interview programme that redesigned enterprise operating models across 52 countries. I hold a Master Certified Architect (Open CA®) designation — the highest independent certification in business architecture — and I am the author of published whitepapers and implementation guides covering the strategic alignment of business, operations, and IT. Take a look at what recent clients have said: "Stephen once again went above and beyond in terms of delivering a top quality report to exacting standards, remaining calm and professional in the face of constantly shifting client requirements." - Nov 2024 "Stephen was a lifesaver! He helped me rescue a project that was at risk of failure by being able to see the bigger picture before identifying the structural changes that quickly needed implementing. He showed great attention to detail and I could always depend on him to complete the jobs to a very high standard and with a fast turnaround time." - Jan 2024 "Stephen was a pleasure to work with. He took the time to make sure he understood our vision so he could create the right deliverable. He was great at communicating and was always available if we had questions. Working with him was a good experience all around." - Aug 2023 "Stephen has an uncanny ability to dissect issues and uncover insights that elude other freelancers. His suggestions and recommendations worked like magic. I highly recommend." - Feb 2023
- Operational Planning
- Business Analysis
- Management Consulting
- Business Consulting
- Business Modeling
- Organizational Design & Effectiveness
- Strategy
- Strategic Plan
- Business Operations
- Business Strategy
- Research & Strategy
- Project Management
- Business Plan
- Business Process Modeling
- Change Management
Angeles City, Philippines
I step in and run operations so founders can step out of the weeds. With 16+ years across Operations, Project Management, and Business Development, I take full ownership of day-to-day systems, teams, and workflows — not just support them. My experience spans e-commerce, retail, marketing, call centers, and VA management, working directly with U.S.-based clients and CEOs. What I bring: — SOPs, onboarding materials, and QA processes built from scratch — VA and team leadership across U.S. and Philippines-based teams — KPI/KPR tracking across multiple industries and business types — Client relations, training, and team onboarding end-to-end — Project systems that keep everything moving without chasing — Lean Six Sigma discipline applied to real small business chaos Earlier roles in Social Media Management, Business Development, and executive VA work give me a rare 360° view of how businesses operate — so I don't just fix one part, I see how everything connects. If you're a founder running multiple businesses and need someone to take the wheel on operations — not just assist — that's exactly what I do.
- Project Management
- Business Operations
- Social Media Management
- Business Development
- Marketing
- BPO Call Center
- Business Consulting
- Policy Development
- Six Sigma
- Process Improvement
- Virtual Assistance
Bucharest, Romania
I help founders, investors, and corporate teams make faster, better capital and strategy decisions through institutional-grade financial modeling, valuation, and strategic analysis. As a former Big 4 consultant at Deloitte and PwC, with an MBA and an Engineering degree, I bring a rare combination of finance, strategy, and technical rigor. I have supported engagements that helped clients raise over $500M in capital, delivering models and analyses used in real investment and board-level decisions. 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲 Financial Modeling & Forecasting Integrated 3-statement models, budgeting, long-term planning, scenario and sensitivity analysis. Valuation & Transaction Analysis DCF, comparable companies, precedent transactions, LBO modeling, M&A support, and due diligence. Financial Planning & Performance FP&A, cash flow planning, performance tracking, and investor reporting. Fundraising & Investor Materials Pitch decks, investment memorandums, and financial narratives for capital raising. Strategy & Business Analysis Market research, business planning, competitive benchmarking, and growth strategy. Sector-Specific Modeling SaaS metrics (CAC, LTV, churn), energy and infrastructure, real estate models, and project finance. 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 Fundraising preparation, investor reporting, acquisition analysis, budgeting and long-term planning, business case development, and turnaround or restructuring situations. I design every deliverable for decision-making clarity, with clean, audit-ready models, transparent assumptions, and built-in flexibility for scenario and sensitivity analysis. My work is structured to be used directly by founders, investors, and senior management. Experience spans AI and SaaS, energy and infrastructure, real estate, fintech, manufacturing, retail, public markets, and Web3. Tools and technical stack include advanced Microsoft Excel, VBA automation, financial forecasting systems, and cap table modeling. Top Rated and Expert-Vetted on Upwork, with consistent client feedback highlighting analytical depth, speed, and reliability. 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸: 🗨️ “Exceptional as always, this is my 5th or 6th project with Gabriel and each one has been a smooth and efficient process with no delays. Have already engaged with him for another contract.” 𝗟𝘂𝗸𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 🗨️ “Gabriel is extremely professional and completed the financial model on time. In addition to producing an excellent finished product he gives great advice, implementing things that we didn't think of.” 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝘆 𝗔𝗷𝗮𝘆𝗶 🗨️ “I can't wait to work with him again! He's a highly skilled and multi-faceted collaborator who's determined to help you cross the finish line.” 𝗗𝗶𝘅𝗶𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗺𝗮𝗻
- Financial Modeling
- Valuation
- Financial Analysis & Valuation
- Financial Planning
- Financial Analysis
- Microsoft Excel
- Business Planning & Strategy
- Due Diligence
- Financial Projection
- Business Consulting
- Business Plan
- Business Analysis
- Strategic Planning
- Management Consulting
- Real Estate Financial Modeling
- Data Analysis
- Budgeting & Forecasting Software
- Project Finance
- Accounting
- Financial Plan
Linden, New Jersey
I bring 28 years of diverse experience in administrative and operations management across logistics, industrial, and food service sectors. My focus is on enhancing operational efficiency and boosting customer satisfaction through effective leadership and problem-solving. I have a proven track record in streamlining processes, managing teams, and implementing policies that deliver results. Skilled in staff management and financial reporting, I excel at training teams and optimizing workflows to achieve excellence. With a keen ability to learn quickly and a strong aptitude for information management systems, I communicate effectively at all levels. If you seek a reliable partner to drive your operational goals and enhance team performance, I'm here to help bring your vision to fruition. Let's connect.
- Local Operations
- Office Management
- Healthcare Management
- Office Administration
- Business Process Management
- Insurance Agency Operations
- Staff Orientation & Onboarding Materials
- Service Level Management
- Administrative Support
- Data Entry
- Logistics Management
- Business Operations
Barquisimeto, Venezuela
Hello, I’m Daniel Palmera, a senior-level operations and project management professional who helps founders, startups, and remote teams bring structure, visibility, and execution discipline to their day-to-day operations. I work at the intersection of operations, project delivery, executive support, and HR operations, ensuring that systems run smoothly and teams stay aligned. I specialize in organizing complexity, improving workflows, and supporting growing teams that need reliable execution without constant oversight. How I Add Value Operations and Execution Support Day-to-day operational management to keep teams aligned, focused, and productive. Task ownership, deadline tracking, and execution follow-through across projects. Process documentation, SOP creation, and workflow optimization. Operational support that adapts to fast-paced and evolving business environments. Project and Delivery Management Project planning, milestone definition, and progress tracking. Managing dependencies, risks, and priorities across multiple workstreams. Ensuring delivery stays on track and stakeholders remain aligned. Bringing clarity and accountability to projects that lack structure. HR Operations and Team Support Operational support for hiring, onboarding, and internal team coordination. Candidate tracking, interview scheduling, and onboarding workflows. Maintaining organized employee records, documentation, and internal communications. Supporting distributed teams, contractors, and remote-first work environments. Executive and Team Coordination Supporting founders and leadership teams with operational clarity and execution support. Coordinating communication across executives, teams, and external collaborators. Maintaining operational visibility so leadership can make informed decisions. Stepping in where structure, follow-up, or organization is missing. Systems and Tools Hands-on experience with tools such as Monday, Asana, ClickUp, Notion, and Google Workspace. Experience organizing data, documentation, and dashboards for operational visibility. Fast learner, highly adaptable, and comfortable working across different tech stacks. Why Clients Work With Me Senior-level perspective with hands-on execution. Strong ownership, reliability, and attention to detail. Clear communication and operational mindset. Ability to operate independently and stabilize operations. Focused on results, delivery, and long-term efficiency. If you’re looking for a senior operations partner who can bring order to complexity and support both execution and team operations, let’s connect.
- Market Research
- Project Management
- Event Planning
- Administrative Support
- Account Management
- Operations Research
- Customer Support
- Digital Project Management
- Operational Plan
- Optimization Modeling
- Procedure Documentation
- Documentation
- Business Operations
- Business
- Tech & IT
Singapore, Singapore
I help founders and CEOs reclaim their time, reduce operational chaos, and scale with clarity — while I run the engine of the business behind the scenes. I’m Michelle, a Singapore-based with 10+ years of experience supporting founders and leadership teams across operations, HR, finance,and marketing functions. I build systems, own outcomes, and operate as your strategic right hand — so your business runs smoothly without constant firefighting or micromanagement. If you’re looking for a senior, reliable operator who can think strategically and execute independently, you’re in the right place. 💼 How I Support Founders & CEOs ⭐ Operation Lead and/or Chief AI Officer *Act as your right hand across operations, planning, and execution *Cross-department coordination and internal communication *Follow-ups, accountability tracking, and execution support * Operations & Systems - Workflow automation & SOP creation (from messy → scalable) *Business process optimization & operational documentation *Client account management & internal task administration *Building systems that reduce dependency on you * Look into your SOP and build automation around your system using AI and No Code APP ⭐ HR & People Operations (0 → 1 and Scaling) *Recruitment & hiring coordination *HR process setup (policies, onboarding, offboarding, performance support) *HR administration & people operations *Founder support on people decisions ⭐ Finance & Business Support *Expense tracking & basic bookkeeping support * Account Payable and Account Receivable *Vendor coordination & cost tracking *Working with your existing finance tools or advisors * Set Up your Xero account ⭐ Growth & Visibility Support *Lead generation & outreach strategy (omnichannel) *Client communication & account management *Social media management (strategy, scheduling, engagement) *Branding support & landing page and website building coordination *App Building 🧠 What Makes Me Different ✔️ Founder-Level Thinking – I understand priorities, and spot things through the crack before it become problem ✔️ Independent ✔️ Systems-Driven – I build once, so you don’t fix the same problem twice ✔️ Clear Communication ✔️ Tech Savvy - I have awesome learning ability in different software or tools that you are using ✔️ Broad Functional Expertise – Ops, HR, finance, legal, and admin under one roof I’m best suited for founders and growing businesses who need more than a task-based VA — and are ready for a trusted operator who owns outcomes. 🛠 Tools I Work With Workspace: Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Project & Ops: Notion, ClickUp, Airtable, Asana Communication: Slack, Zoom Design & Content: Canva, CapCut HR & Finance Tools: Deel, QuickBooks, Sleek, Xero, Ramp App Building : Zite, Bubble 🤝 Who I Work Best With ✅ Founders & CEOs ✅ Startups & growing businesses ✅ Agencies & service-based companies ✅ Clients who value trust, ownership, and structure 🚫 Not ideal for one-off microtasks or heavily micromanaged work I’m here to make your business calmer, clearer, and more scalable. Let’s connect and build a business that runs smoothly — without everything depending on you.
- Microsoft Office
- HR & Business Services
- Finance & Accounting
- Administrative Support
- Data Entry
- Social Media Website
- Marketing
- Bookkeeping
- Customer Service
- English to Indonesian Translation
- Content Writing
- Virtual Assistance
- Social Media Management
- Lead Generation
- Canva
- Translation
- English
- Google Sheets
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